In the frantic rush of Thanksgiving prep, finding the best store-bought apple pie can feel like a holiday miracle. To save you from a dessert disaster, we turned to a professional baker to conduct the ultimate taste test and find a pie worthy of your holiday table. After a rigorous review of the top frozen apple pies, one delicious winner emerged that delivers homemade taste without the homemade stress. If you’re looking to save time without sacrificing quality, this is the best store-bought apple pie to buy.
A Pro Baker’s Quest for the Perfect Pie
Not all store-bought pies are created equal. That’s why we enlisted the expert palate of Gesine Bullock-Prado, a professional baker and cookbook author, to put the top contenders to the test. She baked up three of the most popular frozen apple pies available nationwide: Marie Callender’s, Mrs. Smith’s, and Sara Lee. Each pie was judged on its crust, filling, and appearance to determine which one truly delivered a satisfying, homemade-style experience.
The #1 Winner: Marie Callender’s Lattice Apple Pie
After careful tasting and deliberation, Bullock-Prado declared a clear winner: Marie Callender’s Lattice Apple Pie. It excelled in every category, earning top marks for its superior crust and perfectly balanced filling. The baker praised its “buttery, flaky” lattice crust and the “gorgeous” made-from-scratch appearance, noting it was a pie she would be proud to serve.
The Scale of the Taste Test: Why Marie Callender’s Won
Finding the best store-bought apple pie required a detailed breakdown of what makes a pie great. Here’s how the winning pie stood out from the competition in this crucial pie taste test.
- The Crust: Marie Callender’s crust was the star. Bullock-Prado described it as genuinely “buttery and flaky,” unlike the others which she found to be mealy or bland.
- The Filling: The apples in the winning pie were “perfectly cooked”—tender but not mushy. The filling had a great balance of cinnamon and sugar, tasting authentic and not overly sweet or artificial.
- The Appearance: The beautiful lattice top gave it a true homemade look that stood out from the more uniform appearance of the other pies.
- The Runner-Up: Mrs. Smith’s came in second, noted for having a decent filling but a less impressive crust. Sara Lee’s pie was ranked last due to a mushy filling and bland crust.
How to Elevate Your Store-Bought Thanksgiving Dessert
Even the best store-bought apple pie can be made even better with a few simple tricks. Bullock-Prado offers some pro tips to give your pie that extra special touch and fool your guests into thinking you baked it yourself.
- Add a Finishing Touch: Before baking, brush the top crust with a little heavy cream and sprinkle it with coarse sugar (like turbinado) to create a beautiful, crunchy, golden-brown finish.
- Serve it Warm: Always serve your apple pie warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Top it Off: A scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh, homemade whipped cream can hide any minor imperfections and make the dessert feel truly decadent.
Your Secret Weapon for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Let’s be honest: Thanksgiving is chaotic. Between the turkey, the side dishes, and the family, dessert can feel like one task too many. Opting for a high-quality, baker-approved frozen pie is a smart and delicious shortcut. By choosing the proven winner, you can reclaim precious time and energy while still delivering a classic and beloved Thanksgiving dessert that will have everyone asking for a second slice.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best store-bought apple pie, the expert has spoken. Marie Callender’s Lattice Apple Pie stands out as the ultimate choice for a delicious, convenient, and crowd-pleasing holiday dessert. It delivers on the promise of a flaky crust, perfectly cooked apples, and a balanced, homemade flavor that makes it worthy of a place on your Thanksgiving table. This year, give yourself a break and let this proven winner be your secret weapon for a stress-free and delicious celebration.
